No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Parfait with Shortbread Crumble
A bright and tangy lemon mascarpone parfait layered with buttery shortbread crumble, perfect for a light and refreshing dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup, crushed shortbread cookies
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and light.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup crushed shortbread cookies, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar; mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Step 5: To assemble, spoon a layer of the mascarpone lemon mixture into four serving glasses, about 1/4 cup each.
- Step 6: Add a layer of the shortbread crumble, about 2 tbsp per glass, then repeat layering with remaining mascarpone mixture and crumble.
- Step 7: Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the crumble to soften slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Parfait with Shortbread Crumble take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Parfait with Shortbread Crumble?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Parfait with Shortbread Crumble?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Parfait with Shortbread Crumble for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Lemon Mascarpone Parfait with Shortbread Crumble?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
